Soar with the ospreys, hoot with the owls, and rap with the woodpeckers as we ascend into the world of birds. Build bird houses, create a habitat for hummingbirds, learn bird calls and get a close up look at local species!

Thursday Field Trip: Finley National Wildlife Refuge (drop off and pick up at AHNC – bus transportation fee: $20

Explore the animal kingdom through a variety of artistic techniques and creative projects! Getting up close and hands on with mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish will inspire and inform our sketches, sculptures and mixed media art using traditional and natural materials.

Thursday Field Trip: Off site drop off and pick up at MLK Park

Monday:Plants and insectsPatterns, symmetry, and geometry!Eye spy hikeInsect life cycle artLeaf and flower rubbingTuesday: Fish and amphibiansStructure and camouflage!Hold frogs and newtsWorking with clayFish prints and frog artWednesday: ReptilesBright colors and details!Reptile scale artHands on turtle and snake investigationHike to the river!Thursday: MammalsField Trip: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ParkAbstract and Texture!Track art and habitat backgroundsStructure of fur and hairInspirations in the forest!Friday: BirdsPoetry and Paint!Feathers and wing mixed media artChicken foot printsBuild a bird nest!

NaturePlay Preschool Classes! Ages 3-5

9am-12pm – Every Thursday in June, July and August

Little explorers will get hands on with our frogs, salamanders, snakes and turtles. We will learn the differences between amphibians and reptiles. Our art projects focus on texture and pattern recognition.

Investigate flight with bees, butterflies, birds and bats! Why are things wings so different? We will explore the wonders of flight throughout the animal kingdom. Our art projects will allow our creativity to flit float and flutter!

Dive into all things aquatic from bugs to beavers! With nets in hand we will venture to the waters edge learning about water striders and whirligigs! Projects will be a watery wonder of colors and critters!

Each class includes hands-on outdoor play and experiential learning from local wildlife in every class. Children discover the excitement and fun in nature with songs, stories, play, movement games, and multi-sensory nature art creations.Outdoor learning and play experiences have numerous benefits for children some of which include; confidence, gross motor development, empathy, peripheral vision, social interactions, brain function and overall health.

RESTRICTIONS:

Must be potty trained and mostly potty independent. We can not take high need students or kids that consistently try to run away. Parents are welcome to stay at class if needed.

COSTS:

Caterpillar Camps – $ 125 for full week (9am-noon) or $25/class for daily flexible scheduling. $6 for Early Bird Care